Colonie police arrest two on drug charges

COLONIE, N.Y. — Two men have been arrested after officers witnessed an alleged drug deal.

Shateik Merritt, 29, of Schenectady was arrested on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal sale of marijuana, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Gregory D. Ballenberger, 23, of Rensselaer, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

On June 26, officers observed what appeared to be an illegal drug sale in the lot of the Salvation Army Store at 2145 Central Avenue. After stopping the two individuals and conducting an investigation, they were able to determine that Merritt had sold $60 worth of marijuana to Ballenberger. Both were taken into custody without incident.

The investigation also led the officers to room 4 at the nearby Lawrence Motel at 2155 Central Avenue that Merritt was observed to have been leaving prior to the drug sale. Following the execution of a search warrant on that room an additional small amount of marijuana was located as well as a fully loaded ROHM 22 caliber 6 shot revolver.

Merritt was arraigned in Colonie Justice Court and remanded to Albany County Correctional Facility and Ballenberger was released on an appearance ticket.

Merritt is next due in Colonie Court on Monday June 30 at 6:00 p.m. and Ballenberger is next due in court on Wednesday July 2 at 6:00 p.m.